As I spend more time in the Larkin District these days I'm beginning to notice how visitors interact with Larkin Square. Of course it's great to see the Wednesday evening concert series roll in each week, but at the same time Larkin has figured out how to entertain visitors with the simplest sorts of attractions. One stroll around the square will reveal some of the different games and activities that are available for visitors to interact with. Take Hula hooping for example. Earlier today I came across a grandmother hooping with her grand kids. It was an amazing sight to see... and so simple! I bet that that one unexpected experience shared between the family will last a lifetime. The hoops are just left out for anyone to use, and people use them!
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Then there's pickleball - a combination of tennis, paddle tennis, ping pong, etc. Monday through Friday during business hours, visitors to Larkin Square can grab a racket and a ball (found in baskets next to the two courts) and play. You don't have to leave a driver's license or pay to play. After a lunch meeting today I showed my guest from Brooklyn around the square and before he knew it he was playing his first game of pickleball. Take that Brooklyn! Even though he did beat me, I did take it easy on him because he was wearing a suit.
The Larkin District continues to shine in the simplest of ways. It's just great to see so many fun opportunities for people to enjoy themselves. I have officially put in a request for shuffleboard courts... are you listening Director of Fun?
Above photo: Larkin's Communications Director Emily Eckert demonstrates the art of pickleball with Brooklynite Drew Levitt who is visiting Buffalo to witness the cultural shift taking place. Notice the poles in the background with lighting and sound? Those poles can be found throughout the district and are useful when illuminating areas where people congregate and piping in sound from concerts and broadcasts.
Last summer Howard Zemsky said that, in planning Larkin Square, he gave Tim Tielman a simple mandate: "fun & funky." I'd say they stuck the landing!
Well, then good on Tim for having the vision, and on Howard for engaging the right person.